[media-credit name=”Leah Millis, Special to The Denver Post” align=”alignnone” width=”495″][/media-credit]

Gov. John Hickenlooper, right, shakes President of the Colorado Restaurant Association Peter Meersman's hand as they also give a toast to SB "3.2 Beer for On-premises Consumption" at Old Chicago May 13, 2011 in Lakewood.

Last week during an interview with Gov. John Hickenlooper, we had to ask about beer.

Sen. Michael Bennet and Republican challenger Ken Buck sound remarkably similar on the New York Muslim center controversy. Their measured rhetoric and reluctance to address the issue unless asked seem to indicate neither one is eager to blow up a social issue during a Colorado campaign largely focused on the economy.

Both said supporters have the legal right to build a Muslim center in lower Manhattan, but that with temperatures rising in the dispute, perhaps another site would be the wiser move.

Asked for a reaction to the Muslim center and mosque, Bennet’s campaign released this statement:

“Freedom of religion is one of the most cherished traditions in our Constitution and our history. Michael believes this is a decision for New Yorkers to make and hopes a site can be chosen that alleviates the current tensions and is sensitive to the memory of September 11th.”

On the same question, Buck’s campaign released this statement:

“Ken believes the site at ground zero should be a place that brings Americans together. While they have the legal right to build the mosque, the proposed location has become a dividing point. The group seeking to build the mosque and community center, should find a different location.”

Joey Bunch has been a reporter for 28 years, including the last 12 at The Denver Post. For various newspapers he has covered the environment, water issues, politics, civil rights, sports and the casino industry.